I know how important it is to find the perfect all-terrain tires for your trusty vehicle. After all, your tires are your vehicle’s lifeline, whether you’re conquering the wild rocky mountains or cruising on snowy roads. With the right all-terrain tires, your pickup truck, SUV, or crossover can tackle any terrain with ease, ensuring you stay safe and in control.
These marvelous tires come with reinforced sidewalls, deep treads, and rugged construction, making them perfect for off-road adventures while still providing a smooth ride on pavement. They’re ideal for drivers who enjoy off-roading on weekends but need a reliable tire for everyday use as well.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the best all-terrain tires. That’s where we come in! With our robust market research, we are here to help guide you through the exciting world of all-terrain tires. We’ll explore the top choices available, weigh their pros and cons, and discover which ones are perfect for your needs.
So, buckle up, and let’s embark on this thrilling journey to find the ultimate all-terrain tires that’ll help you conquer any terrain and elevate your vehicle’s performance to new heights. You can trust us to be your guide as we navigate the rugged landscape of all-terrain tires together.
Pro Tip: Rotating the tire once every 3000-5000 miles can greatly increase the tire’s life.
How We Select the Best Tires
We don’t just pick the tires randomly. There is a lot of work behind suggesting the lists of the best possible tires for readers and buyers. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach rather than just a ‘single person experience’. Our lists and reviews are a collective wisdom of many users rather than a single user.
To determine the best tires, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, me, and my keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment to create the final list of the best possible tires. Read our detailed review process.
Table of Contents
1. Falken WildPeak A/T Trail (Best Overall)
I want to Introduce the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail as the best overall all-terrain tire for drivers of crossovers and SUVs! This fantastic tire is made from a silica-enriched compound, molded into a purposeful, symmetric pattern, ensuring excellent traction and durability.
The rugged construction and over-the-shoulder ribs are perfect for preventing punctures from rocks and sticks, making it the top choice for users who love exploring rocky terrains and driving through snowstorms. However, a few users have mentioned its average performance on wet roads and hydroplaning during the rainy season.
One standout feature of the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail is the 3D Canyon sipes, which enhance snow traction, providing drivers with superior grip and stability during wintry conditions. Additionally, these tires offer dual sidewall designs on every tire, allowing you to personalize your vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd.
Backed by a generous 5-year or 65,000-mile warranty and a 30-day or 1,000-mile trial ride, you can confidently put these tires to the test. With the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, you can trust the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail to deliver exceptional performance even in the most challenging snowy conditions.
Pros
Cons
2. Vredestein Pinza AT (Best Warranty + Best for Comfort)
Presenting the Vredestein Pinza AT, the tire with the best warranty and unmatched comfort, it rivals the Falken WildPeak A/T Trail as the best overall tire. The Pinza AT excels on both smooth and rough roads, with buyers praising its performance on snow, sand, rock, gravel, and wet tracks. I hardly found any negative reviews about this tire!Â
This tire delivers a smooth and reliable ride thanks to its computer-aided design, multi-pitched pattern, aggressive biting edges, and higher void ratio. Offering a better warranty than others, Vredestein provides 8 years from production or 70,000 miles, and 8 years from production or 50,000 miles for LT sizes, along with a 100-day trial period.
The Pinza AT boasts outstanding performance on snow and ice tracks, proudly showcasing its Three-peak Mountain Snowflake rating.
Pros
Cons
3. Nitto Ridge Grappler (Best for Off-Road Traction)
Perfect for SUVs, Jeeps, and pickup trucks, Nitto Ridge Grappler is a popular choice among adventure-seeking owners. With a versatile and stylish look, its unique tread design and sidewall blocks make this tire stand out.
Featuring reinforced tread blocks with tapered edges, the Ridge Grappler optimizes surface contact for excellent dry grip. It offers exceptional traction on various terrains like wet, dry, sand, gravel, light snow, and highways. Users have reported impressive performance on challenging roads, and while snow traction is average for 2-wheelers, 4-wheelers excel on deep snow.
The Ridge Grappler has an M + S rating but does not carry the Three-peak Mountain Snowflake rating. Confident about its quality, Nitto doesn’t offer any treadwear warranty or a trial run period. I am quite confident about including this tire in the list as our tire market researcher highly recommends this tire due to its popularity among adventurers.
Pros
Cons
4. Sumitomo Encounter AT (Best for Winter/Snow)
Sumitomo Encounter AT is a highly suitable all-terrain tire for winter and snow! Ideal for pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs, this tire is your ultimate snow-busting partner. The deep and open tread design features stepped edges on the center blocks, providing extra bite in loose terrain and giving you the confidence to conquer any winter landscape.
One standout feature that I observe is its excellent grip in standing water, ensuring a secure and stable ride. Winter-focused zigzag sipes in the shoulders deliver exceptional snow traction. Almost all reviewers praised its outstanding performance on snow and ice, with only a few users mentioning early wear of treads.
The Encounter AT meets the industry’s severe snow service requirements and proudly carries the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. Backed by a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty, a 30-day test drive, and 2 years of roadside assistance, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is a must-have tire for anyone tackling harsh winter conditions.
Pros
Cons
5. Firestone Destination A/T 2 (Best for Gravel Roads)
If you frequently encounter gravel roads, Firestone Destination A/T 2 is the suitable choice for you. Designed for pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, Jeeps, and crossovers, these tires excel on challenging terrains. Thanks to its aggressive shoulder pattern, I can confidently say that this tire is quite suitable for gravel terrains.
The Destination A/T 2 features rejecters between the tread blocks, reducing damage from stone drilling. Apart from gravel tracks, users have also reported a solid grip on snow and ice, making this tire a versatile choice for various conditions. It carries the severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, assuring top-notch winter performance.
With a 5-year or 55,000-mile warranty and a 90-day Buy & Try Guarantee, the Firestone Destination A/T2 is a smart investment for drivers seeking exceptional performance on gravel terrains.
Pros
Cons
6. Toyo Open Country A/T III (Best Tread Life)
Discover the impressive tread life of the Toyo Open Country A/T III, a top choice for pickup trucks, Jeeps, crossovers, and SUVs. I can vouch for its excellent on-road handling and responsiveness and its durability for long-lasting performance.
This tire provides good hydroplaning resistance and dependable grip across various terrains, mainly snow, and ice. Despite some users reporting less-than-ideal performance on rocky terrain, along with puncture issues and stones getting stuck in treads, the tire still stands out for its tread life and robust performance on other terrains.
The Toyo Open Country A/T III has severe snow service certification and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, ensuring reliable winter performance. Backed by a 5-year or 65,000-mile warranty and a No Regrets 500-mile or 45-day trial, this tire is a solid choice for those seeking longevity and dependability.
Pros
Cons
7. Continental TerrainContact A/T (Best for Highways + Wet Traction)
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is an excellent choice for drivers of pickup trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and crossovers who mainly travel on highways. I noted that this tire performs admirably on highways, gravel, and wet tracks. Although some users reported mediocre performance on snow and rocks, its highway suitability makes it a great option for those who primarily drive on well-paved roads.
When not frequently used on rough terrains, this tire offers a rather long tread life. Its manufacturing process incorporates silane compounds, which enhance all-terrain capabilities and extend tread life. Continental TerrainContact A/T is not a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rated tire. It comes with a 6-year or 60,000-mile warranty and a 60-day trial, providing excellent value for those seeking reliable highway performance.
Pros
Cons
8. Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S (Best for Dry Traction)
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S is a suitable option for drivers of pickup trucks, Jeeps, crossovers, and SUVs who seek exceptional dry traction. This tire features a chip- and tear-resistant compound molded into a balanced, symmetric pattern, ensuring straightforward rotation patterns and resistance to irregular wear.
I am highly impressed by its dry traction, deep initial tread depths, and staggered shoulder lugs that make this tire highly suitable for loose terrains. However, some users have reported premature wear of treads. On deep analysis of customer feedback, I conclude that this could be due to extensive off-road driving.
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S is not a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rated tire. It comes with a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty and a 90-day Buy & Try Guarantee.
Pros
Cons
9. Falken WildPeak A/T3W (Best for Rock and Mud)
If you’re searching for a tire that excels on rocky terrains, mud, and mountainous regions, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W is an excellent choice for drivers of pickup trucks, vans, and full-size SUVs. Boasting impressive rough-track performance, this tire features a strong sidewall design that helps prevent damage from stones and sharp objects.
Some buyers have reported quick wear after 25,000 miles, but overall the tire offers a reasonable lifespan. I also observed its good control and handling ability and admirable performance in dry conditions. The heat diffusing technology in the lower sidewall ensures the tire remains cooler during demanding situations.
Meeting the severe snow service requirements, this tire has earned the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. To back its quality, Falken offers a 5-year or 55,000-mile warranty, as well as a 30-day or 1,000-mile trail ride, giving you the confidence to tackle rocky and gravel terrains with ease.
Pros
Cons
10. West Lake Radial SL369 A/T (Best Budget Tire)
The West Lake Radial SL369 A/T is a top-selling budget-friendly all-terrain tire. It is perfect for drivers who want a quality all-terrain tire without breaking the bank. Its wide, deep grooves and switchback tread blocks ensure reliable traction on and off the road.
This cost-effective tire performs well on both dry and wet surfaces, earning numerous positive reviews for its overall performance. Some users have noted early wear of tires, but considering the 40,000-mile warranty offered by the manufacturer, it is quite understandable. Overall, West Lake SL369 delivers enough value for the price.
If you’re on a tight budget and need a dependable all-terrain tire, I would recommend the West Lake Radial SL369 A/T as a smart choice that won’t disappoint you.
Pros
Cons
What to Consider While Buying All-Terrain Tires
When shopping for all-terrain tires, consider the following factors to make the best decision for your needs:
Vehicle Compatibility:
Ensure the tires are compatible with your vehicle type (SUV, pickup truck, Jeep, or crossover) and meet the required size and load-carrying capacity specifications. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the tire information placard for the recommended tire size.
Traction and Performance
Look for tires that provide good traction on various surfaces such as mud, snow, sand, rocks, and gravel, as well as paved roads. For drivers in regions with harsh winters, opt for tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates they meet severe snow service requirements.
Durability
Select tires with a longer tread life and resistance to punctures or other damages, particularly if you frequently drive on rough terrains.
On-Road Performance
Look for tires that provide a comfortable and quiet ride, as well as excellent grip and handling on both wet and dry paved roads.
Warranty and Price
Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, which usually covers treadwear and workmanship. Evaluate the price of the tires and ensure they fit within your budget without compromising on quality and performance.
Tread Life and Design
The design of the tire plays a crucial role in its performance. Evaluate the tread pattern, which affects traction on various surfaces. All-terrain tires should have an aggressive tread design for off-road and on-road performance. Also, check the size and placement of the lugs. Larger and more aggressive lugs usually provide better off-road traction.
Moreover, look for tires with wide and deep grooves, as they help evacuate water, mud, and snow from the contact patch and enhance traction on slippery surfaces. Finally, ensure the tires have a sufficient number of sipes, which are small slits in the tread blocks. Sipes improve traction on wet and icy surfaces by providing additional biting edges.
Pro Tip: While it might seem reasonable to select an all-terrain tire that performs well on every surface, it’s not always the best approach. In reality, drivers typically don’t encounter all types of terrains at a time, and there’s usually one specific terrain they encounter more often than others. Therefore, it’s prudent to choose an all-terrain tire designed to excel in the particular terrain you’re most likely to face.
Our list above includes all-terrain tires with specializations in various terrains, such as those optimized for dry traction, highways, rocks and gravel, or snow. Make sure to select an all-terrain tire that not only covers various surfaces but also focuses on the specific terrain you’re most likely to encounter.
Are All-Terrain Tires Really Best for Every Condition?
All-terrain tires offer a versatile solution for various driving conditions, but they may not always be the best for every situation. Some all-terrain tires perform better on snow than other tracks while some perform better on rocks and mud.
To avoid this confusion, I have made your tire selection task easy by mentioning which all-terrain tire is more suitable for a particular terrain by mentioning the best-case scenario for each tire. For example, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is best for mud and rocks.
Mud Terrain Tires vs. All-Terrain Tires. What’s the Difference?
Mud terrain tires are specially designed for mud, dirt, rocks, and loose soil terrains. While all-terrain tires provide a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, suitable for a variety of surfaces like dirt, gravel, highways, and light snow.
Can I Fit Bigger Tires on My Car?
Yes, you can fit bigger tires on your car, but it may require modifications like suspension lifts, wheel well adjustments, or wheel spacers to ensure proper clearance and prevent rubbing. Keep in mind that larger tires can affect your vehicle’s handling, braking, fuel efficiency, and speedometer accuracy. It’s essential to consult a professional before making such changes to ensure safety and proper fitment.
Why All-Terrain Tires Have Aggressive Tread Designs?
All-terrain tires have aggressive tread designs because they are designed in a way to provide better traction and grip on various surfaces like mud, snow, rocks, and gravel. The large, chunky tread blocks and deep grooves allow them to perform well both on- and off-road.
Conclusion: Which All-Terrain Tires Are Suitable for Your Vehicle?
To determine which all-terrain tires are suitable for your vehicle, consider factors like your driving habits, the terrains you frequently encounter, and your budget. Pay attention to factors like tread life, performance on different terrains, durability, and on-road performance that we have discussed above.
By carefully weighing these aspects and comparing different all-terrain tire options, you can make an informed decision and choose the best tire that meets your needs and enhances your driving experience.
